Hi. Building a small backyard workshop/office and wanted a large window on one end of the shed. Can’t seem to find a cheap on or a large one at the big box stores but sliding glass doors and even large glass table tops are regularly available for free. Can I just frame these in and seal it well with silicon and flashing?

 

You could reuse the frame around the glass... making an opening just the right size, then set it in place on top of a sloped sill and put stops on the top and sides. Its usually best to not install a stop on bottom, it just catches and holds water. Caulk the bottom.

If you take the glass out of the frame, or use glass without a frame, it would require a stop on all 4 sides of the glass, which as mentioned above can eventually be a problem as it catches water and will rot.

Also, silicone is really the only sealant to use on the glass perimeter, but silicone on bare wood is always a problem... silicone cannot be painted. Typically, exterior window frames are aluminum, with a permanent color cladding... and so when you glaze the glass edges with silicone, its not a problem. So maybe you could consider cladding the wood with aluminum trim coil (rent a metal brake) and it won't be a problem.

 

Definitely would use it with the frame. Just take the wheels and handle off.
Also, being in California I’m not too worried about rain but definitely will slope the bottom sill

 

where do you find the free (or cheap) sliding door panels?

thanks
Win

 

Win - Craigslist or any online classified that has free stuff. Door panels and glass free all day. At least here in Southern California where they are re constantly building and remodeling.